Objective Photodynamic therapy is a form of phototherapy which uses light-sensitive compounds (photosensitizers) that are exposed selectively to light, whereupon they become toxic to targeted malignant and other diseased cells. The photosensitizer creates a highly reactive singlet oxygen species which rapidly reacts with any nearby biomolecules leading to destructive reactions resulting in cell death through apoptosis or necrosis. However, prolonged exposure of tissue to light irradiation causes photosensitivity in patients’ skin. Side effects may include, pain, burning/stinging sensation, itchiness. This proposal aims to develop a conceptually new approach towards photodynamic therapy through an introduction of new type of photosensitizers and corresponding nanomaterials which are capable to generate singlet oxygen upon irradiation, store it by means of binding to special molecular subunits and slowly release singlet oxygen within tissue on a timescale from several hours to several days after light irradiation treatment. The application of such novel material will allow for increasing therapeutic effect and reduced side-effects with respect to conventional PDT due to shorter light treatment duration. Proof of concept will be attained by demonstration of delayed singlet oxygen formation in cancer cells after the light treatment using in vitro models. The project builds on the strengths of the applicant in organic chemistry, photophysics and material science and combines these with new training in biomedicine and drug development to open a new research direction and to enhance cross-European collaboration. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistrynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopyemission spectroscopynatural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciencesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN Net EU contribution € 187 866,00 Address College green trinity college D02 CX56 Dublin 2 Ireland See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
